Corn nitrogen needs subject of open house

Farmers and others interested in seeing local on-farm nitrogen fertilizer research in irrigated corn are invited to an open house July 28 at a University of Minnesota research site south of Hastings.

Farmers and others interested in seeing local on-farm nitrogen fertilizer research in irrigated corn are invited to an open house July 28 at a University of Minnesota research site south of Hastings.

University of Minnesota Extension and the Dakota County Water Resources Department are sponsoring the event at 17240 Knox Path from 6 to 8 p.m.

University of Minnesota soil scientists George Rehm and John Lamb will answer questions and lead walk-in tours. Participants will see demonstrations of new sensor technologies that help determine corn's nitrogen needs during the growing season.

Participants also may drop off irrigation or home well water samples for nitrate testing. For water samplesm bring about one cup in a small, clean bottle or jar. Results from these free tests will be returned later.

To site is west on 170th Street from Highway 61. Follow the signs. For more information, contact Phyllis Bongard at (651) 480-7757.